Practical Workshops
2027
Seasonal Organic Gardening
& Seed Saving
Sunday 18th April 2027
Matakana
Learn regenerative growing practices and planning skills to get the most from your gardens year-round. Topics will include soil fertility, crop planning, poly-crop design and succession planting.
In the seed saving segment you'll learn how to identify ripe seed for collection and methods for processing and storing.
Pruning workshop
Sunday 16th May 2027
Matakana
Learn the essentials of fruit tree pruning including shaping and pruning for tree health and ease of harvest, when to prune which trees, tools and their care, and much more!
A range of fruit trees will be covered including apple, pear, feijoa, citrus, plum, grape and peach.
Growing Inner Resilience in Challenging Times
Sunday 13th June 2027
Matakana
Join us for this workshop that explores inner resilience and how we can stay resourced, regulated and connected in stressful, challenging times.
Drawing on the work of well-known environmentalists including Joanna Macy and others, this weekend experiential workshop offers a space to connect, express our concerns, grow our inner resilience and agency in these challenging times. A range of techniques and exercises will be shared.
Forest Gardens/Planting Hugelkultur garden beds
Sunday 25th July 2027
Matakana
In this workshop we will focus on the form and function of a multi-layered forest garden system, and how to design for our present and future needs. Best practice for planting will be covered and common management practices.
We will also cover how to make Hügelkultur or hugelbeds - a specially designed garden bed using decaying wood and other compostable materials.
These beds are known for improving soil fertility, water retention, and soil warming for plants.
Composting, Grafting
& Plant Propagation
Sunday 5th September 2027
Matakana
We will explore different composting methods and hone in on hot composting. We will compile a heap from accumulated materials and inoculate it with beneficial anaerobic microbes to ensure the development of fungal networks and sequestration of carbon.
We will also learn how to grow plants from seed, root division and cuttings. Best timing for these practices will be covered, plant species suited to the season, and how to care for your transplants once in your garden.
Permaculture Properties Tour
Sunday 3rd October 2027
Matakana
Get inspired by how others have applied the principles of permaculture design to create resilient lifestyles, eco homes, abundant gardens and orchards. We will visit various permaculture properties in the Matakana area, including examples of timber and straw-bale eco-houses,
solar & water systems, edible landscapes, integrated chickens and animals, composting systems including compost toilets, worm farms and ponds.
A delicious lunch is included at no extra cost.
Eco building techniques
Sunday 31st October 2027
Warkworth
A hands-on exploration into two
eco-buillding techniques:
1. Earth-building for houses, outdoor studios, sheds & garden walls.
Video of earth-building workshop
2. Light earth (straw & clay mix) for insulation in timber-framed buildings.